August 25, 2011
Own your own success: leadership belongs to those who take it
By Elisa-Marie Dumas
In my latest post, I asked readers: “Why don’t more women own their power?” Since then, I’ve continued to consider the different factors that prevent women from owning their success as well as their role in promoting other women as leaders in the workplace.
I recently read an article that cited a Harvard study comparing women from the Baby Boomer and Gen X* generations. The article described behavioral differences from the two groups, explaining that although women boomers are career-driven, they are less likely to be vocal about their needs and engage in self-promotion. They’re comfortable working hard at their jobs but they don’t feel compelled to trumpet their achievements to the world.
In contrast, Gen X women are more likely to talk about their successes and attribute them to their own savvy. Additionally, 74% of Gen Xers consider themselves ambitious, compared to 65% of women from the baby-boom generation.
What caused this change in attitude, and what does it mean for trends in female leadership moving forward? I believe that boomers are more constrained by traditional guidelines for conduct (and boy, were there a lot of them for women). How many of you remember your mother’s etiquette rule: ‘it’s not polite to talk about yourself?” Throughout the decades, what were considered strict codes “always cross your legs when you sit”; “no white after labor day,” have faded considerably for younger generations. It’s become common knowledge that in the 21st century, everyone needs to brag to get ahead.
While it’s easy to roll your eyes and urge boomer women to get with the program, can we really blame them? During a commencement speech for the Barnard class of 2011, Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg explained that as men become more powerful, everyone likes them more but when women get more successful, both men and women like them less.
How have these disparate attitudes manifested themselves in workplace trends? The UC Davis Census of California Women Business Leaders 2010 found that only 9.5 % of highest paid executive positions in the state are held by women. In the Fortune 500, women only hold 15.7% of board seats. These statistics reflect boomers’ reluctance to act as advocates for themselves and other women around them.
The ambitious nature of Gen X women has manifested itself in a different way: a survey conducted by the Center for Work-Life Policy demonstrates that 43% of university educated Generation X women do not have children because they prioritized their careers.
In my opinion, it’s never too late to learn. Boomer ladies, take a hint from your Gen X counterparts: speak up and get ambitious! It’s time to change the numbers, and it’s time to change them now.
*Generation X is typically defined as those born between 1965 and 1978, while Baby Boomers are individuals born between 1946 and 1964.
Times they are a-changing for Boom Generation Women and their ownership of Power. From my reserch for my book “Women, Wealth and Giving:The Virtuous Legacy of the Boom Generation (Wiley & Sons, NY) I found that women define power differently – it is not a force or a zero sum game for women,but more like “the ability to implement their strengths” and as such leading-edge boomers – now entering elderhood, are no longer shy as to using their strengths to create a more compassionate world. Yes, times are a-changing and it is about time they do.
Great post. I like the idea of REVERSE mentoring. Yes we boomer ladies can learn from Gen X and the Gen X women can learn from us! The most popular tip that I have found that applies to both generations is taking the time to ask yourself what is your Brand- meaning how do you want to be known both professionally & personally. Once you are clear on this- it makes much more natural to promote your successes.
I’m so encouraged by the next generation’s gains on all fronts. Yes, those outdated mores constricted a lot of growth. Considering that it wasn’t until 1974 that women could even get a loan in their own name … it doesn’t surprise me, but I like to focus on the Big Picture. Albeit slowly (true to form),it is changing. I think what we can control (vs. structural) is to continually be aware of where we give up our power and we really have to learn to “play nice” with each other. Men have been socialized from an early age through sports to network, team up and understand quid pro quo. Perhaps that, too, is one of the reasons that Gen X’s are getting it more than boomers? Title IX!
Good post and nice to see candid analysis of where WE may need to change up our game!
Boomers did what they had to, to get ahead. In the beginning of their areers I’m sure speaking out wasn’t as accepted by women as it is now.
The baby boomers willinness to sacrifice their own voice in the name of women’s equality paved the way for Gen Xer’s to get ahead in their own way. Thankfully that meant with a voice!
I also agree with Luanne – it is much easier to speak your truth when you know who you are and what you want.
Boomers did what they had to, to get ahead. In the beginning of their careers I’m sure speaking out wasn’t as accepted as it is now.
The Baby Boomers willingness to sacrifice their own voice in the name of women’s equality paved the way for Gen Xer’s to get ahead in their own way. Thankfully that meant with a voice!!
I also agree with Luanne – speaking your truth is easier when you know who you are and what you want.